Elephant seals in Antarctica are a improbable sight to behold on any trip to Antarctica and one of many region’s most unique and recognisable species. One in all our favourite species is the Elephant Seal, here are some fun info about these magnificent creatures and the atmosphere they inhabit. An Antarctic cruise is an icy safari, with many alternative species of animals to observe. Females are smaller and weigh around 7 - 800 kg. An grownup male Elephant seal can weigh up to 5 tonnes and measure up to six and a half metres! Elephant seal infants when born weigh round 50 kilograms. Inside 3 months they will weigh 150kg! Pups are generally born from September to October when their mothers come ashore at their berthing beaches around the continent. The gestation period for a feminine Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are highly social animals and form large groups or harems for a month through the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the largest carnivores on the earth eating squid and fish as the main sources of food of their weight loss program, and have been measured diving up to up to 2000m deep and can hold breath for up to 2 hours! Sexual dimorphism is a physical distinction between the male and feminine of a species. Males may be up to ten times the load of reproductive females. Elephant seals may be found throughout the Antarctic region, but are most prevalent across the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They have been hunted for their blubber throughout the sealing days. Only 2 - 3 % of male Elephant seals truly breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to mild the city a yr. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic range, so there are still concerns over the longer term of those animals. Nevertheless, from a small group of animals left, there are actually an estimated population of 150,000 which dwell primarily around the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their major predator is the Orca, and within the northern most part of their range.. Giant sharks. Leopard seals have also been recognized to attack and kill stray younger. They are known as elephant seals resulting from a number of reasons, partly because of their measurement and likewise partly because of the male snout or trunk that inflates to impress and intimidate rivals when competing with other males for his harem. The depth and volume of the sound is a demonstration to others how powerful he is, and thus so avoids fights with competing males. The trunk is inflated with air which is inhaled and thus a loud bellowing sound is produced. Benefit from the majestic Elephant seal on a cruise to Antarctica, however keep your distance - regardless of their measurement they can move fast on land, and baby elephant stuffed animals are extremely aggressive when protecting their territory and young. Typically they are not afraid of man, however if disturbed whereas resting, reproducing or marking territory they can be a distinct proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter in your cruise. Regardless of as soon as being on the endangered checklist, as a result of protection of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is now not in any instant danger. Because of Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for helping put this collectively. Nonetheless, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human actions could in the future see some points with their native habitat. Dr. Miko was a lecturer on-board our last PinkTarctica Antarctic expedition to the Peninsula and is a leading professional on Elephant seals and their behaviour. Dr. Mikolaj is a local of Poland, and was base commander of the Polish base on the Antarctic Peninsula for a number of seasons.
